Think of yourself as an essential link in a remarkable part of your child's education -- for you are.

First of all, you have enrolled your child in music study for the many benefits and pleasurable rewards it will bring to the entire family. (Yes, the entire family benefits from effective music study.) This was a decisive step on your part, for it involved locating a skilled teacher and perhaps even the purchase of a piano. Now we want to make the most of a long-range partnership that involves you, your child, and the teacher you selected for your child. Think of this as a three-member team sharing equally in the responsibilities and rewards of music study. As with anyteam, clear communication and shared objectives lead to on-going success.

Music is one of the largest and most complex subjects your child will study. This is as exciting as it is challenging. Because most school systems have cut back on art education, the privatelessons you are providing may be the most important link to the world of the spirit and aesthetic appreciation for your child.

If all this sounds rather "grown-up" it's because it is. Music, however, is one of the adult spheres that children can enter into with great success and enjoyment. But that successdepends upon a network of support and encouragement.

First of all, decide on a daily practice schedule. Having a set time to do one's practicing becomes not only a comforting ritual but also the means by which the student can indeed succeedfor it is a time of creative imagination and personal discovery. Remember, this time is not to be interrupted. Family members and friends will come to respect the fact that this time is dedicatedto music study.

Next, be consistent and positive in your encouragement. Of particular importance is the role an adult plays in helping a child plan the week's work in such a way that the assignment is completed for the next lesson. (Remember, students in school have the daily guidance of a teacher; their every activity is carefully planned for them. In contrast, most music students see their teacher only once a week, making the daily practice session the most important -- and without positive supervision, the most precarious -- rung in their ladder to success .) Take a genuine interest in each new assignment, have the student describe what happened at the lesson, and make note of all new materials to be learned. Then, help the student break the assignment into manageable daily goals.

It is helpful to sit down and listen to what the student has accomplished every few days, checking to see that the work aligns with the teacher's assignment; this is especially important a day or two before the lesson. With very young children who cannot yet read words, it is essential for the parent to assist the child during most practice sessions. As soon as the child is ready to begin working without guidance, find ways to keep your "ears present" so that you can call out encouragement for especially good work.

You do not need to be a musician in order to be of real assistance to your child. Music is communication, a form of expression that goes beyond verbal language. You can tell when your childis making a sincere effort to "say" something through music (as opposed to just playing the notes). In subsequent articles we will discuss the many enjoyable and effective ways you canencourage your child to explore the musical language. In the process, you will learn along with your child and extend the bond that already exists between you. This mutual interest in art lastsa lifetime.

Welcome to this exciting adventure in your child's education. I look forward to your questions and comments, which you can send through the e-mail form below.

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